EXHIBITION
Between Motion and Stillness: The Painted Worlds of Unjin Moon Jenkins
This exhibition presents the breadth of Unjin Moon Jenkins’ artistry, where moments of quiet reflection coexist with scenes of exhilarating intensity. From the thunderous momentum of The Surge to the hushed intimacy of At Peace by the Water, her canvases navigate the spectrum between movement and repose. Horses emerge as recurring muses—sometimes depicted with precision, as in Noble Companion, and other times distilled into rhythmic abstraction, as in Equine Rhythms. Landscapes, too, are transformed: the serene glow of Winter’s First Silence, the dreamlike vitality of Where Dreams Flow, and the monumental grandeur of Whispers of the Canyon all reveal her fascination with the interplay of nature, memory, and imagination. Through chiaroscuro portraiture, fluid abstraction, and naturalistic observation, Jenkins bridges realism and abstraction while remaining grounded in emotional truth. This collection invites viewers to pause in the midst of motion, and to find resonance in the stillness within.
I. Portraits of Character and Connection
From a cinematic icon to a cherished horse and a beloved father, these portraits reveal Jenkins’ ability to honor strength, elegance, and intimacy. Each canvas reflects a different bond—between artist and subject, rider and horse, parent and child—capturing the presence and humanity that endure beyond a single moment.
The Silent Gaze
Oil on Canvas
16 x 20
Description
Rendered in dramatic chiaroscuro, this striking portrait captures the rugged profile of Clint Eastwood. Strong contrasts between deep shadow and illuminated skin emphasize the contours of his face, conveying both strength and introspection. The minimal background isolates the subject, allowing light itself to sculpt the features into a powerful study of character. With precise brushwork and a masterful command of tonal values, The Silent Gaze embodies the timeless presence and stoic resolve of a cinematic icon.
Noble Companion
Oil on Canvas
20 x 24
Description
This equestrian portrait captures the elegance of a horse in collected form, emphasizing the bond between rider and mount. Chestnut tones highlight the strength of the neck and shoulder, while the bridle’s leather and brass fittings are rendered with precision. A soft turquoise background sets off the warm earth tones of the horse. Painted as a gift from mother to son, the work reflects both the animal’s physical beauty and the trust, discipline, and partnership built through training. Careful detail conveys the affection and respect that inspired this commissioned piece.
At Peace by the Water
Oil on Canvas
22 x 28
Description
A tender portrait of the artist’s father, captured in a moment of quiet joy along the riverbank. Standing midstream with rod in hand, he is immersed in the stillness of nature, where light shimmers across the water and tall grasses frame the scene. The work radiates both realism and intimacy, preserving not only an image but a memory of contentment. At Peace by the Water honors the serenity of a life lived close to nature and the timeless comfort of a happy place.
II. Landscapes of Memory and Transformation
These landscapes transform rivers, rocks, and snow into meditations on nature and imagination. From winter’s hush to flowing streams and the grandeur of the canyon, Jenkins bridges realism and abstraction. Her paintings invite viewers to see the natural world not only as it appears, but as it is remembered, felt, and dreamed.
Winter’s First Silence
Oil on Canvas
20 x 24
Description
This winter landscape examines the delicate balance between snow and flowing water. Fresh snow blankets the rocky streambed in luminous forms that stand out against the darker current, while subtle reflections capture the quiet movement of the stream. Bare trees rise against a muted sky beside steadfast evergreens, their branches weaving a textured frame. Careful contrasts of warm earth tones beneath the snow and cool grays and blues across the water convey both stillness and vitality. Through close observation and confident technique, the artist conveys winter not as emptiness, but as a season where beauty endures and life persists beneath its surface.
Where Dreams Flow
Oil on Canvas
20 x 24
Description
Blending realism with abstraction, this work transforms a stream and waterfall into a vision both earthly and ethereal. Stones, water, and greenery anchor the scene in the natural world, while the swirling composition carries the viewer into a dreamlike space. Light and texture converge to suggest that beauty lies in harmony—between the tangible and the imagined, the grounded and the transcendent. Where Dreams Flow reflects the artist’s enduring sense of wonder, where water and greenery are inseparable from her vision of beauty.
Whispers of the Canyon
Oil on Canvas
30 x 40
Description
Inspired by drifting along the Grand Canyon, this painting transforms natural rock formations into a vision both abstract and elemental. Flowing bands of ochre, gold, and gray rise like molten walls, echoing the timeless layers of stone shaped by earth and water. At the center, a luminous opening draws the eye inward, while the swirling blues of the river anchor the composition with movement and vitality. Whispers of the Canyon captures the grandeur, mystery, and eternal dialogue between water and rock, freezing the fleeting experience of awe into a lasting vision.
III. The Spirit of the Horse in Motion
Jenkins captures the elegance and power of horses in perpetual motion. One canvas distills the flick of a tail into rhythmic abstraction; another suspends the explosive energy of a race in a single instant. Together, these works celebrate vitality, freedom, and the tension between control and release.
Equine Rhythms
Oil on Canvas
22 x 28
Description
Flowing forms dance across the canvas in vibrant swirls of orange, blue, and purple, capturing the graceful motion of horses’ tails in perpetual movement. Bold, sweeping brushstrokes create a sense of
kinetic energy as curved shapes interweave and spiral, suggesting the natural rhythm and fluidity of equine grace. The warm oranges and cool blues create dynamic tension while softer lavenders and
yellows provide harmonious transitions. Through abstracted yet organic forms, this piece transforms the simple observation of
horses swishing their tails into a celebration of movement itself, where color and form unite to evoke the powerful elegance and
restless spirit of these magnificent creatures.
The Surge
Oil on Canvas
30 x 40
Description
In this powerful depiction of horse racing, the artist captures a fleeting instant suspended in time—hooves pounding, muscles straining, riders pushing forward in unison. The scene conveys the intensity and exhilaration of the race, where triumph and danger coexist in every stride. Through dynamic composition and vivid brushwork, the painting channels both the thrill of speed and the tension of uncertainty. The Surge immortalizes the raw energy of competition, freezing a split second into an enduring moment of power and motion.
Unjin Moon Jenkins
The artist has maintained a lifelong commitment to visual arts, earning recognition through awards in elementary, middle, and high school. She pursued formal training by double-majoring in college, with fine arts as one of her concentrations. It was during her college years that she was introduced to oil painting, which became her primary medium. Her work encompasses equestrian subjects, landscapes, and portraiture, ranging from realistic depictions to abstract interpretations. She demonstrates particular skill in capturing movement and atmosphere, whether depicting horses in motion or the interplay of light and water in natural settings. Her paintings have been exhibited internationally and nationally, including shows in Hong Kong, the USHJA Wheeler Museum, and the National Sporting Library and Museum in Middleburg, Virginia. She maintains an ongoing exhibition presence, with upcoming shows at Espacio Ronda in Spain and continued representation at a gallery in Oregon. Working primarily in oils on canvas, she creates both commissioned pieces and personal works. Her commissioned portraits, such as Noble Companion, demonstrate her ability to capture the relationship between subject and owner, while personal works like At Peace by the Water reveal her interest in documenting intimate family moments and connections to nature.
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